Mandates
A mandate is a defined authority granted to an actor — typically a service provider — to initiate specific actions within stated limits. It specifies who can act, what they can do, the scope and conditions, and how it can be reviewed or revoked.
Problem it solves
Recurring service payments require a service to be able to initiate debits without manual approval each time. A Mandate formalises this authority with defined parameters — amount, frequency, conditions — and keeps revocation straightforward.
Who uses it
Customers authorising recurring payments to a service provider — utilities, subscriptions, scheduled debits — who need explicit authority they can review and revoke.
Mandate structure
Complete scenario
Illustrative example
Mandate created
A user authorises Utility Services Ltd to initiate scheduled monthly payments of up to ₦15,000, with a 30-day cancellation notice period.
Under the mandate
Each month, the service can initiate a debit without requiring manual approval, as long as the amount is within the stated limit and the mandate is active.
Revocation
The user can revoke the mandate at any time. In-progress actions initiated before revocation may still complete depending on the processing state — revocation stops future actions.
Mandate states
The actor may initiate permitted actions.
Actions are temporarily suspended. The mandate remains in place.
Authority cancelled. No further actions can be initiated.
A change in scope, actor request, or condition requires your attention before actions resume.
Distinct from similar concepts
AIS consent gives a third party read access to your account information. It does not authorise any action on your account. A Mandate authorises an actor to initiate actions — it is action authority, not information access.
A Group Split organiser coordinates a shared cost split among participants. This is a specific coordination role within a transaction, not a general authority to act on your account.
Merchant pricing rules govern what a merchant charges. Mandates govern what authority you have granted for debits from your account. These operate on different sides of a transaction.
FAQs
Is a mandate the same as AIS (account information sharing) consent?+
No. AIS consent allows a third party to read your account information. A Mandate allows an actor to initiate actions — such as debits — within defined limits. One is information access; the other is action authority.
Can I revoke a mandate at any time?+
Yes. You can revoke a mandate at any time. Note that a notice period may apply for the service — typically 30 days — and in-progress actions initiated before revocation may still complete.
What happens to actions that were in progress when I revoke a mandate?+
Actions that were already initiated before revocation may still complete, depending on their processing state at the time of revocation. Revocation prevents future initiations; it does not guarantee reversal of actions already underway.
How is a Mandate different from Secure Pass?+
A Mandate authorises a service or entity to initiate defined recurring actions (like scheduled debits). Secure Pass grants a named person controlled spending access up to a cap. Both involve delegated authority, but for different actors and use cases.